Unit 2 Mental Health Reflection

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration did research to find out that, "Every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 18.2 percent of the total adult population in the United States) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia,"(Bekiempis, NewWeek.com) In this Mental Health Unit, we learned all about different Mental health conditions and the effects on humans. In English we based many things off Shakespeare, in science we conducted in DNA forensics lab, and we have added relaxing activities into our schedule.

In English, we focused on Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Before this unit, I knew what Romeo and Juliet was but had never read the play let alone thought it could relate to mental health. One of our assignments was to analyze one character of Romeo and Juliet to decipher if they had or could have had a mental disorder. I interpreted Juliet Capulet to have Bipolar Disorder. It was interesting to dig deeper into the play because Shakespeare does not just state that the characters have a mental disorder. 
Romeo and Juliet Essay 

CLICK HERE to see all the pictures from this lab!

In Science, we conducted a DNA forensics lab based on Romeo and Juliet’s death. The question was who did it? We knew it was not a suicide, contrary to the common belief, DNA was found in Juliet’s hair. After an extensive lab, we found out who had murdered Romeo and Juliet! In this lab, we used materials that we had never used such as a micropipette! We also performed processes that I did not even know you could do! Who knew you could extract DNA? I sure did not! I really enjoyed this lab as it was something I had never done before!
DNA Forensics Lab

Another thing we, as a core, have implemented in NEW is yoga and Fun Fridays! I love these two activities because it helps us to wind down and relax. Many high school students have anxiety especially revolving around the stress of school and homework. Yoga is very relaxing and takes away my anxieties for the timing being. I think it is a great method for helping with stress. Fun Fridays are exactly as they sound, fun!  We have a list of activities to choose from and we have to complete three. Every activity revolves around what we are learning in English, Science, and Social Media. Similar to yoga, Fun Fridays are relaxing and fun. These are two ways NEW core is trying to decrease Mental Health Disorders!
Check out the activities I choose HERE!

In conclusion, as mental illnesses are growing we need to be aware of what is going on around us. This past unit has taught me a lot about different mental illnesses that I did not know you could have such an effect on people. I think the more that people know about mental illnesses the more they can be treated and or prevented.